EU diplomats are demanding further concessions from London, including delaying Britain’s right to bring in strict new immigration controls immediately after Brexit day, in exchange for a transition period that would save the U.K. from a Brexit cliff edge.

The demands are reflected in new draft negotiating directives aimed at setting the parameters for a transition period after the U.K.'s official exit date in March 2019.

In the draft, obtained by POLITICO, EU diplomats have proposed extending the deadline by which EU citizens living in Britain can claim a special residency status to the EU's preferred end for the transition of December 31, 2020 — 21 months after the U.K.'s official withdrawal date.

By effectively delaying an end to freedom of movement between the EU27 and the U.K., the proposals would block the U.K.'s ability to introduce new immigration controls on EU migrants until that date.

The tougher stance signaled in the draft risks making it harder for Prime Minister Theresa May to sell a deal at home, where she is still hostage to a faction of Brexiteer Conservative MPs and to the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party, which props up her government and also takes a tougher line on Brexit.

A U.K. government official close to the negotiation declined to comment. The European Commission and Council did not respond to a request for comment.

A senior Brexit-supporting Conservative MP, speaking on condition of anonymity, warned that the EU’s new demand “might very well be a deal breaker.” Immigration was a key part of the offer to voters from the Leave campaign during the EU referendum.

“I would very much hope that this is not the final position, since it makes a ‘no deal’ outcome all the likelier,” the MP said. “Also the hardening of their position on trade deals isn’t helpful. If we leave without an agreement, it’ll cause them problems with third countries.”

The broader window for citizens and family members to claim the special protections (called "settled status") is just one of several tougher conditions for a transition deal that were included in the new draft of the negotiating directives. But the change of date would cut both ways — U.K. citizens living in the EU would also have their rights extended.

Such directives are subject to a near-constant process of revision up until they are approved by ministers or directly by the European Council, and they could well change again before a key meeting of the EU's General Affairs Council on January 29, at which they are expected to receive final sign off.

The directives tighten language making clear that during the transition, the U.K. will still be bound by the EU's international agreements, and emphasizing that "the United Kingdom may not become bound by international agreements entered into in its own capacity in the fields of competence of [European] Union law, unless authorized to do so by the [European] Union."

The EU27’s demand to revisit terms of the Phase 1 divorce agreement potentially opens up Brussels to charges of negotiating in bad faith.

Brussels is in an extremely strong bargaining position when it comes to the transition arrangements given the potential damage to British businesses and the overall U.K. economy of a cliff-edge scenario — and the pressure the U.K. government is coming under from businesses to secure a quick deal. But the EU27's demand to revisit terms of the Phase 1 divorce agreement potentially opens up Brussels to charges of negotiating in bad faith.

The initial terms of the divorce accord were clinched just over a month ago, and involved a flurry of 11th-hour negotiations with May's direct involvement. That Phase 1 agreement included terms that many supporters of Brexit regarded as steep and undesirable concessions, particularly on the financial settlement by which the U.K. will continue contributing to the EU budget as if it were a member.

Anthony Chambers

A deal is a deal. Phase 1 is finished. Phase 2 is about the future. What is all the bs. About. Perhaps the EU is incapable of doing an honest deal.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 12:05 AM CET

Anthony Chambers

If this is EU salami slicing, we need to stop now. We tought them that trick. WTO, just leave.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 12:10 AM CET

Andy

Of course the EU wants freedom of movement into the UK to continue as long as possible. The alternative as agreed means that all those 100’s of thousands of people will go to Germany, France etc instead.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 12:13 AM CET

Peter G

Man I don’t even to have to begin reading the commentary to know that knickers are in twist so tight they might collapse into a black hole. Might very well be a deal breaker? How many slaps do you need to get the message. They don’t care.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 12:18 AM CET

Peter G

Well if they are EU citizens Andy that is correct you can deport them for they will have the right to enter the EU. If they are not what are you going to do, have the SAS air drop them into Europe? I ask because there will be a border and no you can’t very well insist the EU accept the people you don’t want. I’d budget for some air fare to whatever their homes might be. If you still have landing rights.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 12:25 AM CET

Dijkstra

Like we’ve heard so often from our English friends on here, nothing’s agreed until everything’s agreed. Eu is just setting out elements of that deep and special relationship that the UK wishes to have with the Continent.

Since it’s been oficially confirmed by a UK minister that the country doesn’t intend to leave Europe “geographically” it only makes sense that we give EU and UK expats the time to settle their affairs and allow them to secure their futures in all our countries without so much stress.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 12:33 AM CET

Ian

Dijkstra,
You do know that it was The EU that stated “nothing is agreed til everything is agreed ” , don’t you , and that your English friends have just quoted that back to you Pro EU people .
What was the financial settlement that Theresa May agreed to ” 45 bn ” .
Nothing is agreed now .

We’ll all have to see the response now by the British government , which will be under even greater pressure to walk away from the negotiations . Que sera sera

Peter2

François P

I don’t know why Politico believes that prolonging freedom of movement during the standstill period is something newsworthy. That was obvious from the start.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 1:09 AM CET

Steuersklave

I’m pro-Brexit but I don’t see any problems with this. I always thought an effective extension of the UK’s EU membership by a maximum of 2 years after March 2019 would be much easier than wasting time negotiating a bespoke transition. It would be best to leave the EU once (in December 2020), not twice.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 2:18 AM CET

Priscilla du Bleu

@Anthony Chambers
“A deal is a deal. Phase 1 is finished. Phase 2 is about the future. What is all the bs. About. Perhaps the EU is incapable of doing an honest deal.”

1. There is not deal so far.
2. Phase 1 is not finished. The maybutt still has 5 open issues to answer, among them the irish border, and to settle before
3. Phase 2 even starts.

Maybe the UK is simply incapable of ever providing solutions by themselves and keep hence requesting help from the EU in finding those?

Switzerland

EU threat: Switzerland ‘told NOT to make deal with Brexit Britain’ in plot to punish UK

THE EU is pressuring Switzerland not to make a bilateral deal with Britain after Brexit, it was revealed last night. The move appears to be part of a “punishment agenda” by Brussels and has led to concerns that the European Commission is not negotiating with Britain in good faith.

EU threat: Switzerland ‘told NOT to make deal with Brexit Britain’ in plot to punish UK

THE EU is pressuring Switzerland not to make a bilateral deal with Britain after Brexit, it was revealed last night. The move appears to be part of a “punishment agenda” by Brussels and has led to concerns that the European Commission is not negotiating with Britain in good faith.
A private briefing has raised concerns that the EU is secretly pursuing an aggressive agenda against the UK at the same time that it is trying to force Britain to agree to “full regulatory alignment” with Brussels and give up the opportunity to compete.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 8:34 AM CET

haha

it is help the uk mess. Birs will deliver his sunny sunderlands

Posted on 1/16/18 | 8:53 AM CET

alan

Of course there is now no prospect of converting the Phase 1 agreement into a legally binding document any time soon
.
Ireland will be pleased that there are no commitments iro the UK/EU border

Posted on 1/16/18 | 8:55 AM CET

Just an EU guy

*yawn*
why Brits do not go straight to a WTO scenario? Oh yeah they can’t.
They did not take a single step to prepare for it. And there is no majority for it.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 8:56 AM CET

EUdoublestandards

And here we go again. More demands, more broken promises, more backtracking and dealing in bad faith. I don’t even know why I’m surprised anymore.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 9:01 AM CET

Switzerland

EU threat: Switzerland ‘told NOT to make deal with Brexit Britain’ in plot to punish UK

THE EU is pressuring Switzerland not to make a bilateral deal with Britain after Brexit, it was revealed last night. The move appears to be part of a “punishment agenda” by Brussels and has led to concerns that the European Commission is not negotiating with Britain in good faith.
A private briefing has raised concerns that the EU is secretly pursuing an aggressive agenda against the UK at the same time that it is trying to force Britain to agree to “full regulatory alignment” with Brussels and give up the opportunity to compete.
#

Posted on 1/16/18 | 9:03 AM CET

Priscilla du Bleu

@Just an EU guy
“*yawn*
why Brits do not go straight to a WTO scenario? Oh yeah they can’t.
They did not take a single step to prepare for it. And there is no majority for it.”

They read Sturgeon’s asset evaluations and realized wto is a bad idea lol.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 9:17 AM CET

Priscilla du

Huh? 🙂

Posted on 1/16/18 | 9:19 AM CET

Able

There is no strategic purpose to this just more EU sh|tkuntery. Doesn’t make a jot of difference so why not?

Jack Boot

The shenanigans will all end badly for the EU and several of its member states.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 9:33 AM CET

Jack Boot

“the EU27’s demand to revisit terms of the Phase 1 divorce agreement potentially opens up Brussels to charges of negotiating in bad faith.”

Oh, it is certainly negotiating in BAD faith old boy !
Nothings agreed even when its agreed.
You can hide your tools from a thief but against a liar there is little defence.
Time to walk away !

Posted on 1/16/18 | 9:37 AM CET

tpk

I do not understand the point of this article. Was a transition not basically described as everything staying the same as now, just no UK MEPs in Straßburg?

Posted on 1/16/18 | 9:43 AM CET

Jack Boot

Obviously, the EU want no deal despite the fact that all member states do…
EU trying to get UK to walk away ?

Posted on 1/16/18 | 9:47 AM CET

tpk

From Guardian, the first hint ever to my knowledge what UK has in mind dealwise:

Downing Street’s Brexit adviser, Olly Robbins, suggested in a recent cabinet meeting that the UK would operate on three levels post-Brexit with the EU, with some sectors being entirely free from Brussels regulation while others were fully converged to allow frictionless trade. In a third “basket” of sectors, the two sides could share the same goals but “achieve them through different means”.

One senior EU official said: “It’s what we always thought the UK would be going for and that’s why we have been quite clear that we don’t think that it is on.”

How could you have a frictionless border when you have sectors?

Posted on 1/16/18 | 9:47 AM CET

Jack Boot

@tpk

The EU is already benefiting by trading with the UK during any transition phase.
Why any extra payment when there is no benefit?
Cake and eat it ?
No taxation without representation.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 9:50 AM CET

Jack Boot

@tpk
“From Guardian” the English language version of Der Spiegel.

And the dews spread typhus !
Make the lies large enough and repeat them often enough and plonkers like you believe it.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 9:53 AM CET

Jack Boot

@tpk

There is no point in any transition period and allowing the EU continued and privileged access to the UK market if the EU are not prepared to agree a mutually beneficial trade deal.
If you want a deal then you must also find solutions instead of shovelling your endless and pointless defeatist dribble that helps no one (including you).

Posted on 1/16/18 | 9:59 AM CET

Saintixe

Personally I would avoid quoting Professor Minford. As for articles minted by the Daily Express. .. the bin is their kindest fate.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 10:07 AM CET

JdB

The EU liars, snakes, backstabbers, truth twisters and forked tongue brigade are incapable of negotiating in good faith.
The sooner we are out (WTO) and away the better.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 10:13 AM CET

tpk

@Jack

If the quotes are not from express they can not be true? I am reading Guardian since 6 months now and he had been always very accurate when it comes to facts. What is your problem?

It has been Robins setting your agenda in Brussels, not the Telegraph and not the express.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 10:17 AM CET

François P

@Jack Boot

Please keep in mind that it is the UK government, and not the EU27, which requested a transition period during which almost everything stays the same.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 10:22 AM CET

tpk

@Jack Boot

Ad far as I understand your guys in Dover are years from walking away. EU should have all the leverage here. I don’t want EU to misuse that, just pointing out.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 10:24 AM CET

Joshua D

tpk
“I don’t want EU to misuse that, just pointing out.”

You want to point that out because you have a niggling feeling they already are 🙂

It makes no difference.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 10:28 AM CET

Priscilla du Bleu

It is true, the German quarter of my half-brain (which I told you about) is so much more intelligent, sophisticated, wise, cleverer and superior in all possible ways to the English quarter of my half-brain.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 10:34 AM CET

Politicosy

They come up with a lot of nonsense in the 15 minutes of brexit work. 🙂

Posted on 1/16/18 | 10:36 AM CET

Priscilla du Bleu

It is also much more gleeful, gloating, schadenfreude-loving and bile-spewing than my English quarter-brain. In other words, a typical Deutscher Michel type of brain.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 10:37 AM CET

Stefan M

@Priscilla du Bleu, FierEuropeen in a skirt. She isn’t even the best at being a tw@t. Way down the list.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 10:56 AM CET

GTB

Is the EU in any position to ‘demand’ anything from the UK? I don’t think so. Attitude here is certainly hardening against the EU as people have now seen its weasel tactics first hand.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 11:00 AM CET

Alex T

@Stefan M
”
@Priscilla du Bleu, FierEuropeen in a skirt. She isn’t even the best at being a tw@t. Way down the list.”

I have to agree with you there. That accolade must surely go to John “Odious” C.Ojones.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 11:00 AM CET

Stefan M

Alex T

He is right up there, ‘I’m’ pretty good too…

Posted on 1/16/18 | 11:02 AM CET

Jack Boot

@François P

A BREXIT transition is a very good idea Frank.
But there cannot be a transition unless a deal is already agreed otherwise its not a transition. You cannot transition from one to the same.
During a transition (the very definition of the word) things change from one to another, they DO NOT remain the same..
TRNSITION:
“The process or a period of CHANGING from one state or condition to another.”
English may be difficult but you can Google most words to determine what they mean.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 11:04 AM CET

Jack Boot

@François P

Has your EU has told you that “transition” means ‘To remain virtually the same’?
I thought you were all deluded but in reality your all just confused.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 11:09 AM CET

Keilly

@Stefan M
@Saintixe on his day is as good as anyone, bit inconsistent though, he let’s his reasonable side get in the way too often to be a real contender.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 11:11 AM CET

François P

@Jack Boot

I am not the one who invented the terms ‘transition phase’ or ‘implementation phase’. I have said early on that what the UK government was seeking is in fact a standstill period, during which everything stays the same as before. That is exactly what the EU27 negotiating mandate for the ‘transition phase’ wants to ensure.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 11:17 AM CET

Stan

@François P

MEP, Voting rights, project funds… that sort of thing 😉

Posted on 1/16/18 | 11:20 AM CET

Jack Boot

@François P

So you have decided (or “someone told you”) that the words “transition” and “implementation” mean “standstill” ? This is where you go wrong Frank, you cannot read a word and assume that it means something else otherwise there’s no point writing it and no point reading it.

@Stan
Nice point Stan. Well over Franks head I suspect.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 11:25 AM CET

Jack Boot

@François P

In an implementation or transition phase Frank, one moves from one thing to another.
There can be no such period if the end result isn’t already defined.
If no end agreement is agreed by 29th March 2019 then I personally favour that the UK starts rapidly withdrawing sector by sector without agreements starting with whichever sectors the UK deems to have priority.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 11:31 AM CET

François P

@Stan

If the UK government had wanted to keep its presence in the European Council, in the European Parliament, in the European Commission, and at the ECJ, then it should have requested an extension of the article 50 period. I don’t know whether the EU27 would have agreed. But that is not what the UK requested anyway.

The UK will continue to receive project funds during the ‘transition period’.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 11:35 AM CET

klv

transition deal ,wanted from uk ,is keep things as usual during that time,was clear enough from eu (for sure)and uk side i suppose.
That is going to be what eu is going to offer,take or leave it without transition deal.
up to uk to choose to have transition deal on this base or don t have it.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 11:41 AM CET

Jack Boot

And why shouldn’t it if its still paying in?
And its threatened with losing its rebate !
In reality, EU finding has been cut back and projects cancelled and voting rights are being removed.
And the EU still expects full contributions ! Laughable.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 11:43 AM CET

kermelen

@ alan

“So we will have British MEP’s back in 2019 then?”

I don’t think so.

Britain will not be an EU member on Brexit day and therefore it will not participate in the next EU election.

The so-called transition period to be discussed soon is not about the EU institutions but about the single market and customs union regulations, and its four freedoms. That would still apply more or less for a given period until a new status was agreed, or not.

The EU has made no new demands on citizens rights. EU Ambassadors have only said they foresee a problem with a too short extension of their settled status. Nothing more, nothing less.

Immediately rogue Brexiteers are calling here to retaliations and WTO exit. But damages from a WTO exist will be tenfold the already heavy damages of a negotiated Brexit.

We should be aware these damages will not be equitably shared and a few will benefit from the situation at the expense of all others. Even more so if no deal was ever agreed in the Article 50 negotiation. We should not allow them to make a profit from our own gullibility.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 11:43 AM CET

stan

François P

Sure 🙂 So when you say:

“I have said early on that what the UK government was seeking is in fact a standstill period, during which everything stays the same as before. That is exactly what the EU27 negotiating mandate for the ‘transition phase’ wants to ensure.”

it’s just an argument of convenience to justify anything the EU wants to lump in?

I don’t care btw, just the obvious holes in these generic statements is a bit tiresome.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 11:45 AM CET

klv

@jack”And the EU still expects full contributions ! Laughable.”Sorry,jack,but you as some of brexit supporters here,knew what was the real meaning of transition deal and also you pm in her speech on florence.
Uk wanted transition deal,and was quite clear that base keep all things as are now.
Simple.If uk does nt accept this no transition deal no?

Posted on 1/16/18 | 11:49 AM CET

John

@klv

Have you been eating smarties? you are very excitable.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 11:55 AM CET

klv

no john double espresso only.by the way just wrote another person post at start.
suggest you a cup of tea or whatever you use to connect better in the morning.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 12:00 PM CET

François P

Stan, it is not OUR problem if YOU aren’t listening to what YOUR own government is saying.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 12:01 PM CET

John

@klv

“by the way just wrote another person post at start.” No idea what that means. Take a deep breath, think peaceful thought…

Tea won’t help, I’m not a people person.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 12:05 PM CET

Stan

François P
🙂 and there’s another one…

Posted on 1/16/18 | 12:08 PM CET

klv

just some of the juice from tm florence speech:”Britain wants a transition period aimed at bridging the gap between leaving the EU in March 2019 and beginning the new trading relationship, May confirmed, and envisages it lasting “around two years”.

The UK and the EU would “not be able to implement smoothly” many of the new arrangements that would be necessary, she said, and “people and businesses would benefit from a period to adjust in a smooth and orderly way”.

The EU has long said any transition period must maintain the status quo, meaning Britain will have to abide by EU rules, including the jurisdiction of the European court of justice, and continue to allow free movement.

May accepted this, saying market access “should continue on current terms” and that the framework for this “strictly time-limited period” must be “the current structure of EU rules and regulations”. The only difference will be that from 29 March 2019, all new EU arrivals will be registered.

This gives the chancellor, Philip Hammond, the gradual exit he has been asking for all summer to avert a regulatory cliff-edge for UK business. It should also satisfy the Brexiters, who can at least feel Britain is at last well and truly on the way out.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 12:09 PM CET

Stefan M

@klv

“The EU has long said any transition period must maintain the status quo, meaning Britain will have to abide by EU rules, including the jurisdiction of the European court of justice, and continue to allow free movement.”

Not quite the status quo is it. To keep repeating stuff doesn’t address the hypocrisy of your point. It merely reinforces it. Say it again.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 12:14 PM CET

ralphmalph

@KLV – The T May Florence speech transistion period is the UK being nice to the EU countries. Do not forget before any new customs procedure on the EU side are implemented there has to be a big fight over who pays.
Proof point is that today Boy Wonder is shamefully humiliating his subjects by begging for more money from the rich UK to control illegal migrants that have been repeatedly refused right to stay in multiple EU countries (what a joke).

Posted on 1/16/18 | 12:19 PM CET

Donald Tusk

EU ‘hearts are still open’ to Brexit halt.
Please come back – we ALL HATE you !

Posted on 1/16/18 | 12:25 PM CET

Lenni

Donald Tusk

🙂 Have they finally run out of insults? Find that hard to believe.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 12:28 PM CET

klv

@ralph
@ stefan

Well is quite simple,you know what ll be offer for transition deal,you asked no?
If you read,is conditio sine qua non that uk keep same “status quo”(so all package) for transition .
I f you don t want a transition deal anymore just say no…righT?

Posted on 1/16/18 | 12:35 PM CET

tpk

@Jack Boot

Agreed, as long as you don’t mean that there is a gradual transition. We would enter transition which mean a few changes, than everything stays the same for 2 years (in fact I suppose 3-5 years), and then we would have one real change to the actual Brexit. IF there is a Brexit and if this Brexit would make a real difference to the state now.

And deal or not, I don’t think UK has a real choice to not make use of “transition”. In theoriy I don’t see a problem in laying out the basics of a deal until next autumn.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 12:37 PM CET

klv

@ralph “Proof point is that today Boy Wonder is shamefully humiliating his subjects by begging for more money from the rich UK to control illegal migrants that have been repeatedly refused right to stay in multiple EU countries (what a joke).”

you talking about calais?is still a problem and always ll be for both side and there ll be an agreement,or technically just a renew of it.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 12:44 PM CET

Jack Boot

@tpk

What are you talking about?
For there to be a transitional period there MUST be an agreement to what is to be transitioned to. No (fair and full) trade deal = no transition.
In the absence of a trade deal by 29th March 2019 the UK moves to WTO and starts to withdraw sector by sector. Starting with Intelligence, security, military co-operation, fisheries, and on and on.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 12:47 PM CET

Anthony Chambers

It was printed in black and white. Every detail of how the rules for EU citizens in the UK and vis-versa would work. In the implementation period and after Brexit. It is in the phase 1 document and it is published on the UK government websites so that people can plan their lives appropriately.

Look, I think immigration is actually really a good thing, and I would be in favour of a very open system for EU citizens coming to the UK, but under the control of the UK government. But, what is not acceptable, is changing the terms of things we have already agreed. We spend months with EU B.S. saying everything had to be done in order, on a chapter by chapter basis. This question was agreed.

No back tracking, it is shockingly bad faith to behave in such a way. If we can all just change the details, lets pay €20bn instead of €45bn. Since everything is apparently open for discussion.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 1:02 PM CET

Reggie Grünebaum

@Anthony Chambers
“If we can all just change the details, lets pay €20bn instead of €45bn. Since everything is apparently open for discussion.”

Don’t be ridiculous, Phase 1 cannot be changed by UK pirates. It is set and any attempt to change the agreement is unlawful.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 1:07 PM CET

Ronald Grünebaum

Where is the news?
The UK can at best expect a standstill agreement.
Everything else would be cakeism.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 1:34 PM CET

Kerry not from Derry

“nothing is agreed until everything is agreed”

The trouble is in the interpretation of this sentance:

for the EU: Nothing [the UK wants] is agreed until everything [we want] is agreed

for the UK: Nothing [either of us wants] is agreed until everything [we both want] is agreed

For the EU it is about getting the UK to bend the knee until perhaps they have decided we have given enough.
For the UK it is about getting it in writing or kiss goodbye to the money, the trade surplus, the social dumping of EU ‘self-employed’ etc.

Having had a “quiet” conversation with a friend in a slightly upper-middle civil servant position in the Department for Work and Pensions, I can tell you that EU citizens are being marked on all the systems just in case “nothing is agreed”. Benefits..NHS access…pensions…HMRC….you name it. Everything is being brought under “big data” for cross-linking of entitlements (or lack thereof) between the systems.

It would not surprise me if all benefits for EU citizens can be halted immediately unless agreement is reached in the days post brexit to cover the costs of each others benefits.
Along the lines of “there are 200,000 UK citizens in the EU claiming benefits…we owe you x millions. There are 2million EU citizens in the UK claiming benefits…you owe us x BILLIONS. So you don’t want to discuss? Let’s flick the DWP computer switch to zero benefits and we’ll drop them at the ferry terminal”

It is quite impressive, apparently, what systems are being put in place to sharpen the EU’s minds when it comes to encouraging a full FTA.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 2:04 PM CET

Hahhahailaughatthetrollz

Reading all the Kremlin trolls such as @Anthony Chambers and @Jack Boot makes me laugh every time.
Of course there will be freedom of movement during the transition period.
If you are in the Single Market then you need to accept FOM.
The four freedoms are indivisible.
Iceland, Norway and Switzerland all accept FOM.
The fact is that for the relationship the UK wants which is “Canada plus plus plus” it will have to keep benefiting from FOM.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 2:14 PM CET

ralphmalph

@haha = When the Eastern European countries joined the EU and hence were members of the single market they did not have freedom of movement. Why, they were in the single market?

Posted on 1/16/18 | 2:38 PM CET

aBoy

I can’t even pretend I give a sh|t what these fckwits say anymore. I’ll try again later.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 3:36 PM CET

Annabelle

@aBoy

Yes why don’t you try a childrens’ blog instead.
Bye bye.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 3:57 PM CET

Keyser Sose

https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/leave
The above is what I voted for in 2016, no deal, no divorce bill no more laws thought up by others, implemented by others and no more interference by others, let Ireland come out next, the Republic we fought for ceased to exist in 2002 when they made us vote, again, their way.

Gorilla

EU latest threats are a sign of weakness, not strength.
Consider:
Bankrupt large banks
Widespread corruption
No tactical nukes = no ability to deter Russia
Declining birth rate
Fast declining percentage of world economic effort.
U.K. does not need EU any further. We are better off out.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 9:40 PM CET

Jason

Middle Finger to that demand!

Posted on 1/16/18 | 10:06 PM CET

Alan Baillie

“[D]elaying Britain’s right to bring in strict new immigration controls immediately after Brexit day” is not a “new demand”. Point 4 of the Council’s draft guidelines of 8 December 2017 (the same day as the Joint Report of the EU and UK negotiators) clearly stated that “the United Kingdom will remain a member of the Customs Union and the Single Market (with all four freedoms) during the transition”. The four freedoms include freedom of movement for people.

Posted on 1/16/18 | 10:41 PM CET

bluebell

@tpk
“I do not understand the point of this article. Was a transition not basically described as everything staying the same as now, just no UK MEPs in Straßburg?”

I should point out that this phase that the EU calls “transition” is called an “implementation phase” by the UK. They have very different meanings. Personally, it seems difficult to understand the “transition” terminology when there is no agreement as to what the final relationship between EU and UK will be and therefore for it to be a transition phase it surely should mean transiting from one state (of being) to another? However, an implementation phase would surely suggest a period of regulatory and statutory implementation necessary for exit. Or to put it another way the UK needs to amend, rectify and possibly rescind some laws so that it is not left in legal limbo on exiting.

Posted on 1/17/18 | 3:20 AM CET

Jack Boot

EU should not grant us a transition period.

We want to hit the bottom below the cliffs the hard way.

We are used to it – our mums banging our heads against the walls our entire childhood through.

Posted on 1/17/18 | 7:17 AM CET

wow

@bluebell
@tpk
“I do not understand the point of this article. Was a transition not basically described as everything staying the same as now, just no UK MEPs in Straßburg?”

I should point out that this phase that the EU calls “transition” is called an “implementation phase” by the UK. They have very different meanings. Personally, it seems difficult to understand the “transition” terminology when there is no agreement as to what the final relationship between EU and UK will be and therefore for it to be a transition phase it surely should mean transiting from one state (of being) to another?

we don’t want to period od any kind. we want to leave regardless the consequences.

OUT OUT OUT POUT OUT.

costs do not matter. let us siuffer., we are masochists

Posted on 1/17/18 | 7:34 AM CET

Nonmonkey

@monkey
U.K. does not need EU any further. We are better off out.

Nor does the run needlittle ingerlanders. Sod off you quarterwits

Posted on 1/17/18 | 8:50 AM CET

klv

@ralph”When the Eastern European countries joined the EU and hence were members of the single market they did not have freedom of movement. Why, they were in the single market?”

100%They did,and also for 5 years in eu,if suppose, 1 polish or hungarian went in other eu country can t do some kind of job,example work in factory yes,but work in hotel as housekeeper no.